The group was created in 2011 and the group members are specialized in forest biotechnology. Our research focuses on gene regulation of regeneration processes in woody species and the development of methodologies for micropropagation, conservation and improvement of woody species using biotechnological and molecular tools. Our goals are to prevent biodiversity loss, reduce deforestation and promote the sustainable use of woody species. The species under study include native forest species (Castanea spp., Quercus robur, Q.

The Biochemistry and Soil Quality Group (GBCS) was established more than 40 years ago by T. Carballas and has focused its research on: a) organic matter, paying special attention to microbial biodiversity, responsible for the functioning and, consequently, , the quality of the soil and the provision of ecosystem services related to it, b) the impact of degradation processes and the implementation of soil conservation/recovery practices that promote the sustainable management of agricultural and forestry ecosystems in the new scenario of the climate change.

CibiCed research group is formed by 1 Senior Scientist. Its research line falls under the theme 7 "Impact of Global Change (V+M+S)" addressing the challenge 7C "Biogeochemical Cycles" (in addition to 7A,7D,7E,7F,7G) and focusing especially on the C cycle in forest soils and the potential of these ecosystems as CO2 sinks. The group has been collaborating with the Unidade de Xestión Forestal Sostenible (UXFS) for more than a decade, participating in various forestry projects with the Departments of Agroforestry Engineering and Plant Production of the USC.

The main goal of our research focuses in understanding the nearby universe to unravel the early stages of the universe, through observational and theoretical studies of a wide range of problems related to the structure and evolution of galaxies and cosmology, from their stellar and nebular components to their distribution and evolution at cosmological scales. The common thread is the charaterization and modeling of the physical processes that drive star formation and nuclear activity in galaxies, their radiative-mechanical-chemical feedback and their relation with the environment.

Multidisciplinar research group with a wide experience in Postharvest Physiology and Technology applied to industrial sector and teaching. Stands out for its innovation capacity and application of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic techniques in order to analyze in depth the physiological and molecular characterization of the mechanisms involved in the improvement of postharvest quality of fruits. Special attention is paid to the tolerance to low temperature and adaptation of fruit to high CO2 levels.

Rheological, structural, thermal and sensorial characterization of foods in order to obtain optimized, stable and standardized textures and qualities. Optimization of the texture of fresh, processed and/or stored (refrigerated and frozen) foods using conventional and emerging technologies.

Group formed by two research scientists, a specialized laboratory technician, a hired researcher and personnel in training (BSc, MSc, curricular practices, etc.). Scientific-technical activities: Chemical and biochemical characterization and quality and functionality of plant-derived food and ingredients emphasizing in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, carotenoids) and beneficial health properties related to their intake.

■Obtention of bioactive compounds enriched plants from food and by-products

Research on bioactive molecules and their biotransformation emphasizing on nitrogen heterocycles, indoles and alkaloids (carbolines). In addition to investigating their presence in foods and medicinal plants, we study their activity as substrates and inhibitors of oxidoreductases, and their involvement in the generation and/or scavenging of free radicals and new toxic and bioactive agents.

This group studies relevant problems in Food Science, from an approach considering the techniques and methods of Biophysics. This group is naturally interdisciplinary, both in the questions studied and in the methodology employed. As a small and emerging group, a large part of its activity is organized around collaborative relations, mainly international.